Local Events 2008

HAVE FUN!

We want you to have fun whilst at Hoe Grange, so we have provided you below with a comprehensive list of local events and activities to enjoy during your stay with us. Whilst every effort is made to keep these details up to date, we recommend that if you are interested in a particular event you check the facts yourself before arrival. This will avoid any disappointment just in case the dates have altered.

If you find something exciting to do that we have not thought of we would love to know the details so that we can add them to our list for other people to enjoy.

Click on the event to go to the website.

January	Event
Tuesday 1st January	Mappleton - New Years Day Water Race and Bridge Jump	A charity event where 10 teams of 3 people paddle down 1/2 a mile of the River Dove and then bravely jump 30 ft from the bridge into the ice cold water, before running 500 yards to the pub! An amazing family event and an excellent way to sober up after the excesses of New Year!
February
Tuesday 5th February & Wednesday 6th February	Ashbourne Shovetide Football	A frantic game of football through the streets of Ashbourne from kick off in Shawcroft Carpark at 2 pm until well after dark. First recorded as long ago as 1682. Two teams, Up'ards born North of the River Henmore and Down'ards born South, battle to score by striking the ball 3 times against the old mill wheel goals, which are 3 miles apart at Clifton and Sturston Mill. The large handsewn leather ball can be kicked, carried or thrown, but generally passes along in a "hug" invisible to the spectator. An experience not to be missed, but don't get too near the ball!
Tuesday 5th February	Winster Pancake Races	A long established local pancake race, which all began as harmless fun organised by the local Headteacher as a war time diversion for children. It is now a seriously lighthearted affair with secret training and stringent rules about the batter!
March
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd Mar Sunday 2nd March	Midland Railway - Butterley   Mothering Day Special	Take the children on a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends - plenty of other engines to see and there is a good play area to blow off steam!
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th March	Pavillion Gardens - Buxton Art & Design Fair	A celebration of local arts and crafts from all over the Peak District, from painting, candlemaking, textiles, wood, ceramics, papercraft, glasswear and many more. Plenty to see and buy!
TBC	Midland Railway - Butterley Easter Eggstravaganza	Plenty of Easter "egg"citment at this standard gauge line which has steam and diesel hauled passenger trains. The main site at Swanwick has a museum dedicated to the Midland Railway as well as a large collection of diesel and steam locomotives. If you enjoy trains it is a fabulous day out for the whole family with model and minature railways, a farm and a country park as well as a host of other attractions.
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th March	Crich Tramway Village Dunkirk Spirit of 1940	Dunkirk to El Alamein. A weekend of activities themed around the war years with military vehicles, soldiers and civilians. Trams run to and fro every few minutes from the cobbles of the period street, past the original facades of historic buildings from around the country before heading up the valley to views that will take your breath away. Hand over the old penny you are given on entry and you are free to ride the trams all day. There is also an indoor exhibition hall, restoration workshop, outdoor play areas and a woodland walk and sculpture trail. They have facilities for offering wheelchair tram rides. A good family day out for all ages.
April
Saturday 12th April	Pipes in the Peak Comptons 70th Anniversary	An evening concert to celebrate the 70th birthday of the mighty Compton cinema organ at Dove Dale Garage. This magnificant organ originally from the Regal cinema in Derby is an amazing sight to behold, with fluroscent lights and numerous mechanical devices. Booking essential.
Sunday 20th April	Buxton Raceway	Experience the thrills and spills of banger and stock car racing at Buxton Raceway on the Tarmac Oval. Definitely one for the lads and dads! Events are run most Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from March to November.
Tuesday 25th March	Flagg Races	The High Peak Hunt's point to point meeting is held on Easter Tuesday. Flagg Races were first held in 1892 and are now the only remaining point-to-point meeting to run the Hunt Members' race over natural hunting country, starting in Flagg village and finishing on the racecourse proper. First race starts at 1pm. An exciting day out, but wrap up warm!
Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th April	Peak District Walking Festival	A two week festival of walking, which provides something for everyone, whether you're a casual ambler or a strenuous rambler! There are numerous guided and themed walks, including: historical, wildlife, ghost, literary & folk tale.
May
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th May	Crich Tramway Village Folk Weekend	Folk Weekend Enjoy a fabulous weekend of Folk Music in this unique setting.
Sundays and Bank holiday Mondays in May	The Burrows Gardens	The Burrows Gardens, a delightful corner of Derbyshire, with a collection of loved and cared for gardens, ideal for a gentle stroll, or a summer picnic. Round off your visit with tea and wonderful homemade cakes. Run by Craig Dalton, the Gardens have something for everybody, whether you are a knowledgeable plants person, a gardener, or just someone who loves the beauty, peace and tranquility of lovely gardens set in 5 acres of beautiful countryside. There are specific dates for full open days throughout the summer, but if these dates are not suitable, or you wish for a quieter visit just contact Craig. Small parties welcome.
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May	Chatsworth International Horse Trials	Chatsworth provides a spectacular setting for it's International Horse Trials, with a cross country course running through the beautiful 1000-acre park on the banks of the river Derwent.This three phase event is extremely demanding, as both horse and rider have to show obedience and grace in the dressage phase, courage and athleticism across country and accuracy in show jumping. There are also pony club events, and displays.
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May	Crich Tramway Village Models Weekend	Models Weekend A Fantastic display of transport in miniature, including model trams, railways, road transport and Meccano.
Wednesday 14th to Sunday 18th May	Pavilion Gardens - Buxton Annual Antiques Fair	If you are after antiques this is a must! One of the largest antique and collectors fairs in the area with absolutely everything you could imagine. Well worth a visit.
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May	Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair Bolsover Castle	Sample a taste of Derbyshire food and drink at this fantastic medieval castle, which dominates the countryside from its hilltop. Bolsover occupies the site of a medieval castle built by the Peverel family shortly after the Norman Conquest. Sir Charles Cavendish bought the old castle in 1612 and began work on his 'Little Castle' project. Despite its embattled appearance, his creation was not designed for defence, but for elegant living!
Thursday 1st May to Wednesday 7th May	Tissington Well Dressings	Tissington is known as the mother place of well dressing with visitors arriving from all over the world to witness the annual well blessing ceremony on Ascension Day. Dressing consists of erecting boards covered in clay, into which thousands of flower petals are pressed to create a colourful tableaux of a biblical or topographical scene. It is probable that well dressing took place here in 1348, in thanksgiving for the village's escape from the Black Death, which the villagers attributed to the purity of its water.
Saturday 24th to Tuesday 27th May	Wirksworth Well Dressings	Well dressing was first adopted in Wirksworth, to celebrate the arrival of piped water in the town, in 1827, when the taps were dressed. There is always a carnival spirit with the crowning of the Well Queen who with her attendants forms part of a procession for the blessing of the wells, accompanied by a brass band. Also a chance to explore the maze of narrow streets and tiny alleyways, and to admire the historic buildings.
Sunday 25th & Monday 26th May	Pavilion Gardens - Buxton Art & Design Fair	A celebration of local arts and crafts from all over the Peak District, from painting, candlemaking, textiles, wood, ceramics, papercraft, glasswear and many more. Plenty to see and buy!
Monday 26th May	Dovedale Fete	A traditional country village fete with cakes, stalls, entertainments, maypole dancing, morris men, fair rides and much more. It is held in the picturesque village of Ilam from 12pm onwards. A good event for entertaining the children.
Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June	Midland Railway - Butterley	Take the children on a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends - plenty of other engines to see and there is a good play area to blow off steam! Special tea trains on 28th and 31st.
June
Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June	Download Music Fesitval Donnington Park	A fairly new but huge music festival set over 3 days with superb artists. see website for further details.
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June	Special Stage Car rallying Chatsworth	A day out for the boys, including: Three competitive Special Stage rallies for both Historic and modern rally car A pageant of "Rallying History" - featuring many of the world's greatest rally cars Precision and stunt-driving displays - including TV star, Russ Swift "Stage Sessions" for owners of competition and modified road cars, giving them the opportunity of driving the special stages under non - competitive "track day "conditions
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June	Kedleston Hall Game and Country Fair	A large game and country fair at this fantastic historic house designed by Robert Adam with luxurious state rooms and an Eastern Museum filled with the collections of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India. The gardens are particularly vivid in June with celebrated displays of azaleas and rhododendrons. Take a wander through the open parkland with cascades and lakes.
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June	Steam & Vintage Event Belper	The event was first established in 1989 as part of the Belper Festival fortnight. The event has grown and is now firmly established as one of the largest steam fairs in the county. Fabulous for steam enthusiasts with hundreds of vintage vehicles, but also a good family day out with trade, craft and auto jumble stalls and arena events and street entertainers to keep children occupied.
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June	Birchover Open Gardens	You can wander around over 30 gardens in this picturesque village. There are stalls, cream teas and a flower festival at the church. Parking is free, but there is an admission charge of £2.50 per adult
Sunday 15th June Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June	Midland Railway - Butterley	Father's Day lunch - treat you dad to an extra special day out at this fabulous railway centre FREE entry for disabled visitors and just half price for accompanying helpers. A great opportunity to view the amazing collecting of engines.
TBC	Music Day Lea Gardens	A musical extravaganza from12.00noon - 5.00pm where you can wander through the fantastic gardens listening to various artists from acoustic performances to solo or small choirs, and even dancing.
Sunday 15th June	Pikehall Harness Racing	Top class grass Harness Racing from 2pm. Spectators can be assured of a great day out at Pikehall Races, with trackside parking, bookmakers, refreshments, licensed bar, and children's attractions.
Friday 20th June to Sunday 6th July	Ashbourne Arts Festival	Ashbourne Arts Festival began in 2000 and now hosts 2 weeks of exciting events to entertain, educate and enjoy, starting with a procession through the town. From art, music, poetry recitals and painting workshops to operas and performing arts. Something for all the family.
Saturday 21st June	Pipes in the Peaks	A concert featuring the amazing Compton organ and the 17 piece Ockbrook Big Band, starring Christan Cartwright
Sunday 22nd June	Derbyshire County Show Elvaston Castle	A traditional County show near Borrowash, Derby. One of the main attractions this year is The Royal Artillery Motorcycle Display Team - The Flying Gunners will be performing the fastest high speed cross-overs you will see in the world!
TBC	Motown Spectacular Carsington Water	A wonderful setting for an outdoor spectacular featuring music from the Motown era. Take a picnic along and soak up the atmosphere.
July
Sundays throughout July	The Burrows Gardens	The Burrows Gardens, a delightful corner of Derbyshire, with a collection of loved and cared for gardens, ideal for a gentle stroll, or a summer picnic. Round off your visit with tea and wonderful homemade cakes. Small parties welcome.
Sunday 20th July	Ashbourne Highland Gathering	Every year since 1985, Ashbourne has been host to one of the largest highland gatherings outside Scotland. It consists of pipeband competitions, highland dancing, highland sports, tug of war and various other events
Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July	The Great Dome Art Fair	Quality art & craft work by 53 members of Peak District Products including paintings, jewellery, ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles, photography and lots more. Worth going just to visit this magnificant historic building in Buxton.
Wednesday 9th to Sunday 27th July	Buxton Festival	A fabulous feast for artists of all ages, with over 100 events in 2 weeks including opera, music and literature.
Thursday 24th July	Pikehall Harness Racing	Top class grass Harness Racing from 5.30pm. Spectators can be assured of a great day out at Pikehall Races, with trackside parking, bookmakers, refreshments, licensed bar, and children's attractions. Enjoy the live music which follows on from this meet.
August
Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th August	Bakewll Agricultural Show	Bakewell Show is a celebration of all aspects of farming and rural life, from the best of British livestock to the latest business and technological innovations. It boasts the largest tented Show in the UK and attracts around 65,000 visitors over the two days. Plenty for everyone to see and do.
TBC	Cromford Steam Rally	A traditional steam fair with steamers, historical motor vehicles, stationary engines, and a model marquee with miniature steam vehicles and engines. There are plenty of stalls, old time fair rides, and displays of motorcycles, commercial vehicles, military vehicles and wonderful old time organs. The tractor section will give you a unique insight into life on the farms in days gone by, and there are demonstrations of rural crafts.
Saturday 9th August	Manifold Show Ilam	A traditional country show with an excellent selection of animal and horse classes. Something for everyone to watch - a great family day out.
Tuesday 14th & wednesday 15th August	Dovedale Sheep Dog Trials	A rare but fabulous sight to see the exceptionally well trained dogs driving in the sheep. There is some very keen competition over the 2 day event in fields at Blore, near Ilam.
Saturday 16th August	Ashbourne Agricultural Show	An agricultural and country show including cattle, sheep, goats, horses and a cage bird and dog show.Ashbourne show is most reknown for its Shire horse classes. Lots of family entertainments, with craft tent, rural craft display, horticulture and handicrafts, and numerous stalls and trade stands.
Sunday 24th & Monday 25th August	Transport Extravaganza Crich Tramway Village	A true celebration of transport with hundreds of exhibits, stalls and models. Vehicle convoys parade down Tramway Street. Fairground rides and family entertainment.
Friday 29th to Sunday 31st August	Chatsworth Country Fair	Massed pipe and military bands, demonstrations and parades, hot air balloons, parachuting and over 300 varied trade stands and rural crafts make this a memorable event with something for everyone. Many of England's heritage of Country Sports and pastimes are on show including Armed service displays, horse shoeing, ferret racing, archery and sheep dog trials.
September
Saturday 6th to Sunday 21st September	Wirksworth Arts Fesitval	Two wonderful weeks of art, music, theatre, film and dance. Something for everyone with exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations.
Saturday 30th August through to Saturday 25th October	Matlock Bath Illuminations and Venetian Nights	Throughout September and October the riverbanks are decorated by illuminated colourful displays and the cliffs above are floodlit, offering a truly memorable show.The Venetian Nights take place on Saturdays and Sundays, when decorated boats, with coloured lights twinkling, glide down the river. A magical experience enjoyed by people of all ages.
Sunday 21st September	Ashbourne Half Marathon	A half marathon, but don't be decieved it is a tough one with huge hills to test your stamina! However for those who want to take it easy there is an alternative 3 and half mile family fun run. If you want to enter into the spirit of the event get your fancy dress costume ready.
October
Wednesday 1st Oct	Brailsford Ploughing Competition	A very traditional ploughing match with both old fashioned ploughing with horses and the latest modern tractors. Quite a sight to watch. Includes hedgelaying and other traditional rural crafts.
Saturday 25th October	Starlight Halloween Crich Tramway Museum	A Halloween spectacular with illuminations, witches, ghosts and trams in the dark. Spooky! Open until 9pm, last admission 6pm
Saturday 25th October	Fireworks Night Midland Railway - Butterley	A sparkling spectacular firework display - good all round family fun - unless your toddlers don't like big noises.
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October	The Great Peak District Fair Pavillion Gardens - Buxton	A celebration of Peak District produce and crafts from chefs at work in the demonstration kitchen cooking delicious recipes using local ingredients to demonstrations by local artists and craft workers. Admission is free with over 90 Exhibitors selling high quality food, arts & crafts produced in and around the Peak District. There is also a free childrens' entertainment area and climbing wall and live music. Set in the Pavilion Gardens it is also close to an excellent park and children's play area.
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th Oct	The Great Peak District Food Fest	A real feast for gourmets - a week-long celebration of the finest food and drink the Peak District has to offer, involving local producers. You are positively encouraged to sample the finest fare with special food-linked events and promotions including food tastings, banquets, guided walks, and beer festivals. Programme available at beginning of October.
November
TBC	Alton Towers Firework Display	A fantastic firework and lazer display, held within the theme park its self. You can enter the park in the late afternoon and take in a few rides before the big display. Contact Alton Towers for ticket details.
Saturday 8th November to Tuesday 23rd December	Chatsworth House Dressed for Christmas	A celebration of Christmas including decorations, seasonal food and drink, behind the scenes tours and farmyard Christmas craft activities.
Sunday 2nd November	Dovedale Dash	The Dovedale Dash is a cross country race of 4 3/4 miles, run by about 1200 people of all abilities around the villages of Thorpe and Dovedale.The course is mainly along field paths and open ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold, but there are short stretches along tarmac and some stony ground. One of the excitements is the crossing of the river Dove at the well known Stepping-Stones. The race starts at 11am, but go early to sign up if you want to take part.
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd Nov Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th Nov	Santa Express Midland Railway - Butterley	Santa Specials - Take the children on a magical train to see Santa and join in the festive fun
December
Saturday 8th November to Tuesday 23rd December	Chatsworth House Dressed for Christmas	A celebration of Christmas including decorations, seasonal food and drink, behind the scenes tours and farmyard Christmas craft activities.
TBC	Ashbourne Town Late Night Christmas Shopping	A real family Christmas atmosphere, with street entertainment, live music, Santas groto, hog roast and much more. All the shops are open till 9pm so there's time to buy some last minute Christmas presents.
Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th & Sunday 21st Dec	Pipes in the Peak Christmas Spectaculars	Let the Pipes in the Peaks get you into the festive spirit. Concerts celebrating Christmas with all your seasonal favourites. Includes Sherry and mince pies! Booking essential
Weekends throughout December	Santa Express Midland Railway - Butterley	Take the children on a magical train ride to see Santa and join in the festive fun.
Friday 26th December	Boxing Day Raft Race Matlock Bath	Traditionally for the past 44 years the Derbyshire Association of Sub Aqua Clubs have been running the annual raft event. Last year a total of £5825.88 was raised for the charities R.N.L.I, St Johns Ambulance' Hyperbaric unit and Derbyshire Air Ambulance. One way of getting rid of the hangover - it certainly brings you round hitting the cold water of the river Derwent on a cold December morning. The 45 or so rafts set off at 10.00am down the river Derwent on the four mile course through Matlock, down to Matlock Bath, Past the famous Arkwright Mill, and finally onto the finish at Cromford Mill. By this time the rafters have encounter crowds encouraging them on, negotiated a weir and been pelted with flour bombs all in good fun!